When Congress voted to reauthorize the Zadroga Act, it charged the U.S. Department of Justice with the task of writing regulations for its implementation and assigned statutory deadlines for completion. The Attorney General selected Sheila Birnbaum to serve as Special Master for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, overseeing its implementation. At Barasch & McGarry, we are happy to see the VCF working efficiently and meeting important deadlines under Birnbaum’s supervision.

Birnbaum announced on June 15, 2016, that an Interim Final Rule had been published on schedule and the 30-day comment period on the rule had opened. Drafting the rule was an important milestone for the VCF, because by law many claimants could not be paid until the rule for paying them was in place. Birnbaum also stated that the VCF would meet its deadline for making full payments to Group A claimants, those to whom the VCF had sent loss calculations by December 17, 2015, the date that Congress passed the Zadroga Reauthorization. Now the VCF is set to begin evaluating and paying Group B claimants, those to whom VCF sent loss calculations after December 17, 2015. The VCF estimates it can begin to pay Group B claims by mid-August.

Birnbaum stated that the VCF will evaluate all citizen comments on the new rule before issuing its final rule. Once the interim rule becomes final, funding will be available until December 18, 2020 to compensate those who suffered physical harm or death and economic losses as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Eligible claimants include first responders, search and rescue personnel, and workers engaged in debris-removal efforts at Ground Zero and the Fresh Kills Landfill. Residents and office workers of lower Manhattan who lived or worked in the area between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002 may also be eligible. Qualifying physical conditions include 68 different cancers linked to the toxic WTC dust.

If you have questions about your eligibility for Zadroga Act benefits, our experienced attorneys can help you find answers. Call Barasch, McGarry, Salzman & Penson at 888-351-9421 or contact our office online.

"Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson handled everything professionally and with patience. They always had time to answer all my questions and did what they promised. Thanks esp to Brian Calamaris Lee London, and Mariya Atanasova. Thank you."
- William Collins, FDNY

"If I could give them six stars I would...don't even bother talking to anyone else concerning 9/11. The whole team worked night and day to deliver an outstanding settlement. They are honest, hard working and extremely professional. Just make the one phone call and let them do the rest."
- Les Margulis, resident in the exposure zone

"I had a very good experience with Michael and Mariya. They made the process stress free. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance with 9/11 related illnesses."
- JE Kirwan, worked in the exposure zone

"The people at this firm were just great. They were concern with making sure I was taken care of in every way possible. When I was given an award Mr. Barasch didn't think it was a fair amount and appealed the decision which got me a larger award. I am very satisfied with everything they did for me in the past and are willing to do for me and my family in the future."
- Bob Wiecezak, FDNY-Retired

"Excellent law firm. Lee London and his staff were very responsive and always followed up with phone calls or emails. This firm is a strong example of what caring and personable lawyers are all about."
- Letitia Egan, wife of client, volunteer in the exposure zone

Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

There is still time to apply for significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers that doctors at the WTC Health Program (WTCHP) have linked to the WTC toxic dust. The deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that a cancer has been certified by the WTC Health Program — or any other governmental agency. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a cancer survivor is made aware their cancer was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

For those who died from their WTC-linked cancers, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.

Please help spread the word about the strict two-year deadline to register a claim

Many people have tried to complete the VCF application on their own, only to learn that it requires answers to hundreds of questions and many documents to download. It would be our pleasure to help you complete the process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Please call us for a free consultation.

Let a knowledgeable attorney help you figure it out

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. You undoubtedly have questions about your disease and how you will pay for treatment. Lawyers at Barasch & McGarry ensure you understand the complex requirements and help devise the best strategies for obtaining compensation and appropriate medical care under the Zadroga Act.
Contact our law firm online or call 888-351-9421. The initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out whether a lawyer can help.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Barasch & McGarry is located in New York, New York and serves clients throughout the entire New York metropolitan area, including former New York residents who have since relocated to other states and volunteers who came to New York to help in the WTC rescue and recovery efforts.

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